If you’re looking for a breakfast or brunch that feels a little special, a Bagel with Egg, Prosciutto & Garlic Butter Recipe is a game changer. This recipe combines the toasty chew of a fresh bagel with a perfectly baked egg nestled in savory prosciutto and topped with fragrant garlic butter — ideal when you want to impress yourself or guests without a huge fuss.
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In the Kitchen
I love this Bagel with Egg, Prosciutto & Garlic Butter Recipe because it elevates simple ingredients into something warm and satisfying that you can make any day of the week. It’s easy but feels indulgent — perfect for lazy weekend mornings or a quick midweek treat.
- Juicy and Tender Every Time: Cracking the egg into a prosciutto “nest” keeps the yolk intact and gently cooks it without drying out.
- Golden, Satisfying Finish: Roasting at moderate heat crisps the edges of the prosciutto and melts the cheddar just right.
- Simple Ingredients, Big Impact: Garlic butter made fresh in a blender adds deep flavor with almost no effort.
- Weeknight to Weekend Ready: Minimal prep time means you can whip this up on busy mornings or leisurely afternoons alike.
Ingredients at a Glance
When it comes to the Bagel with Egg, Prosciutto & Garlic Butter Recipe, choosing quality ingredients makes a noticeable difference. Fresh eggs and good-quality cured meats elevate the flavor, while a sturdy bagel holds everything together without getting soggy.
- Bagels: Go for fresh, dense bagels that can hold up to toppings without turning soft too quickly.
- Eggs: Use large, fresh eggs for the best texture and flavor.
- Prosciutto: Thin, buttery slices provide just the right saltiness and crispness.
- Cheddar cheese: Sharp or mild depending on your preference; melts beautifully under heat.
- Italian salami: Adds a peppery kick and layers well with prosciutto.
- Fresh garlic and parsley: For vibrancy and that classic garlic butter aroma.
Heads-Up: Exact measurements are in the printable recipe card at the bottom.
How to Make Bagel with Egg, Prosciutto & Garlic Butter Recipe
Step 1 — Whip Up the Garlic Butter Spread
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. While it warms, blend together the garlic clove, parsley sprigs, salted butter, dried oregano, chili paprika, and a pinch of salt until creamy and smooth. You’ll notice the mixture turns a lovely vibrant green flecked with bits of garlic and herbs. This blend is the heart of the recipe, delivering rich, garlicky flavor that laces every bite.
Step 2 — Prepare the Bagels and Meat Layers
Slice your bagels in half and spread a generous layer of the garlic butter over each side, making sure to coat the edges. Next, pile a slice of cheddar cheese onto each bottom half, followed by a slice of Italian salami, then top with a prosciutto slice. This layering creates a delicious balance of melted cheese and savory meats that complement the egg beautifully.
Step 3 — Crack the Egg and Season
Here’s a nifty trick I picked up: carefully poke a small hole in the center of the prosciutto on each bagel bottom—this will hold your egg perfectly. Crack the egg into this “nest,” letting the whites spread gently but contained. Sprinkle a bit of chili paprika and salt over the top for a subtle smoky heat and seasoning. Don’t fret if a little egg white dribbles over; it crisps up deliciously in the oven!
Step 4 — Bake to Perfection
Place the bagels on a baking sheet and pop them in the oven for 13 to 16 minutes. You want the egg whites fully set but the yolks still slightly runny, and the prosciutto edges crisp and golden. Oven times can vary, so keep an eye on that gorgeous bubbly cheese and the edge of the prosciutto as your cues.
Step 5 — Let Rest and Garnish
Once out of the oven, let your bagels rest for a few minutes. This pause helps the egg finish setting gently and avoids scalding your mouth on the first bite. Finish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a bright, fresh contrast against all that richness. Then dive in and enjoy!
Things to Remember
Having made this Bagel with Egg, Prosciutto & Garlic Butter Recipe many times, I’ve learned a few key tricks to boost your success and flavor every time you try it.
- Doneness Cue: Look for firm whites and slightly jiggly yolks to nail the perfect bake.
- Temperature Trick: A moderate 375°F prevents the bagel base from burning while cooking the egg.
- Make-Ahead Move: Blend the garlic butter up to 3 days ahead and keep refrigerated; it stays bright and fresh.
- Common Pitfall: Don’t overload the bagel with too many layers or the egg can slip off during baking.
Ways to Serve It
Finishing Touches
For the Bagel with Egg, Prosciutto & Garlic Butter Recipe, I find a scattering of fresh parsley or even a dash of additional chili flakes at the end adds a lovely punch. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a squeeze of lemon can brighten it up too, balancing the richness beautifully.
Plays Well With
This sandwich pairs incredibly well with fresh fruit salad for sweetness or a side of simple mixed greens lightly dressed in lemon vinaigrette to cut the richness. A cup of your favorite coffee or strong black tea rounds it out perfectly for a complete meal.
Simple Plating Upgrades
Serve these bagels stacked on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of extra chili flakes and chopped herbs. For a special occasion, garnish with edible flowers or microgreens, which add freshness and color without extra effort.
Make-Ahead & Keeping Fresh
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover bagels in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The texture shifts slightly, with the bagel softening a bit, but reheating with care recovers much of its charm.
Freezing Tips
While I recommend enjoying this bagel fresh, you can freeze wrapped leftovers in foil for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently to preserve the egg texture.
Reheating Bagel with Egg, Prosciutto & Garlic Butter Recipe Without Drying Out
The trick to reheating is low and slow: use a toaster oven or conventional oven at 300°F for 8-10 minutes. Avoid the microwave if possible, but if you must, cover loosely with a damp paper towel and heat in short bursts to keep moisture in the egg and prevent the bagel from turning rubbery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! While traditional plain or sesame bagels work wonderfully, you can experiment with everything bagels or whole wheat options for extra flavor and texture. Just be sure they’re fresh and sturdy enough to hold the toppings without getting overwhelmed.
Yes, you can swap prosciutto with other cured meats like pancetta, bacon, or even smoked ham. Keep in mind that the cooking time might vary slightly depending on thickness and fat content.
Definitely. Simply substitute the cheddar cheese and butter with dairy-free alternatives. Use a plant-based spread infused with garlic for the butter component, and a flavorful vegan cheese that melts well can stand in for cheddar.
Look for egg whites that are fully set but not rubbery, and yolks that still have a slight jiggle in the center when you gently shake the pan or baking sheet. This balance keeps the sandwich juicy without being runny or dry.
Final Thoughts
This Bagel with Egg, Prosciutto & Garlic Butter Recipe is one of those surprising delights that turns everyday ingredients into something memorable. The garlic butter alone is worth the effort, and the whole combination feels like a cozy hug on a plate. Whether you’re serving it up for breakfast, brunch, or a comforting snack, you'll enjoy this recipe’s balance of rich, savory layers and comforting textures. Give it a try—you might find yourself making it a regular in your rotation!
PrintFull Printable Recipe
Bagel with Egg, Prosciutto & Garlic Butter Recipe
This savory Bagel with Egg, Prosciutto & Garlic Butter recipe combines soft bagels topped with creamy garlic butter, sharp cheddar, flavorful Italian salami, crispy prosciutto, and perfectly baked eggs. A delicious Italian-inspired breakfast or brunch option that's bursting with flavor and texture.
- Total Time: 31 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
Bagel Base
- 4 bagels
Cheese & Meats
- 4 slices of cheddar cheese
- 4 slices of prosciutto
- 4 slices of your favorite Italian salami
Garlic Butter Spread
- 1 ½ tablespoon salted butter
- 1 garlic clove
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon chili paprika
- A few sprigs of fresh parsley
- Salt, to taste
Eggs
- 4 eggs
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). You may also use a fan oven or an air fryer if preferred for even cooking.
- Prepare Garlic Butter: In a blender, combine the garlic clove, fresh parsley sprigs, salted butter, dried oregano, chili paprika, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth and creamy to create a flavorful garlic butter spread.
- Assemble Bagels: Slice each bagel in half and evenly spread the prepared garlic butter over each half. Layer each with a slice of cheddar cheese, followed by a slice of Italian salami, and then a slice of prosciutto on top.
- Create Egg Wells: Carefully make a small hole in the center of the prosciutto on each bagel half to hold the egg. Crack one egg into each hole, allowing the egg white to spread slightly over the toppings. Don't worry if some egg white spills over.
- Season and Bake: Sprinkle each bagel generously with chili paprika and salt. Place the bagels on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 16 minutes or until the eggs are fully set and the prosciutto is crispy and golden.
- Cool and Garnish: Remove the bagels from the oven and let them cool for 3 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving to add a fresh herbal note.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, increase the chili paprika slightly or add red chili flakes.
- You can substitute the cheddar with mozzarella or provolone for a different cheese flavor.
- To make prep easier, blend the garlic butter mixture ahead of time and store in the fridge.
- Use a sharp knife to carefully cut the hole in the prosciutto to avoid tearing the surrounding layers.
- If preferred, bake the bagels in an air fryer at 375°F for about 12 minutes for a crispier finish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
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